Korean Job Discussion Forums

Patong Dong · Joined: 06 May 2003 Location: On Nut

Over the last 11 years I have received at least 5 visa issuance #'s from Korean immigration. On Feb. 9th my documents apparently went into Suwon immigration and they have yet to issue the visa #. Does this not seem a bit extreme? Has anyone else had it take this long, or in fact longer as I am still waiting. I had heard that 2 weeks was the max. wait, but now am being told that because the school I am going to is new, and there has been some kind of office shuffle in Suwon, that it is taking an especially long time in my case.

I am beginning to suspect my recruiter will say whatever pops into his head that seems plausible An earlier start date is what tipped the balance in this job's favour so maybe there is some horsesh*t at play here. I would consider another position but with all my documents at immigration already looks like I am stuck with this one.

polonius · Joined: 05 Jun 2004

I assume you mean Jan 9th. But if it makes you feel any better, I subbited paperwork for 4 teachers that same week, and haven't received the numbers yet either.

It is pi$$ing me off.

misschel · Joined: 14 Oct 2008

If the documents are taking longer than usual and it doesn't look like you can make it to Korea on your start date do the schools just drop you?
If they did, that would imply that they hire more teachers than needed in case some flake out and the school is still covered. Does this ever happen?

yingwenlaoshi · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: ... location, location!

Patong Dong · Joined: 06 May 2003 Location: On Nut

Ah, yes, January 9th. Well if you're still waiting that is somewhat reassuring. I am not worried about keeping the job, but was hoping to be there by now. I still need to drop off the passport at the consulate once this # comes through. I was thinking that the recruiter had given me an earlier start date to reel me in and now that they have all my docs. the real time line is in effect.

icicle · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Gyeonggi do Korea

Given the time of year (ie the Lunar New Year Holiday and school vacations) and the volume or work at this time of year the amount of time is not necessarily suprising ... or a sign that anyone is not telling you the truth ... It is actually within the normal estimate of 10-14 working days that I have heard quoted many times ... along with the simple fact that many things can make it slower at particular times of year

michaelambling · Joined: 31 Dec 2008 Location: Paradise

I got mine two weeks after my employer submitted my documents to the immigration office in Gwangju. I assume there's a bit of a backlog because of the new requirements, but you should still look into this ASAP.

lisac1983 · Joined: 14 Dec 2008 Location: sydney, australia

I've been waiting for a little over 3 weeks too. Hopefully it comes through early next week, I am meant to be starting on Monday. The waiting is killing me!

KuroBara · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 4:45 am Post subject:

So any updates for anyone? My recruiter told me yesterday that GEPIK is still backed up. Just want to know if they've come through for anyone else.

trish91198 · Joined: 21 Dec 2008 Location: Jukjeon

I waited almost 5 weeks to get my visa number!
What's funny is they rush you to get all your paperwork in, and then they take their time in giving you the number!

ontheway · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 9:08 am Post subject:

champagne@caviar · Joined: 08 Dec 2008

i got my appointment letter from GEPIK last week, and received my visa two days ago.

cubanlord · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Location: In Japan!

Ice Tea · Joined: 23 Nov 2008

Interestingly enough, my visa number was also delayed 4 weeks and the reason given by my employer was that they delayed it because my school was a "new" school. Although there's nothing "new" about Pagoda. But my branch office is new. There seems to be some new rule immigration is laying on start up academies. I guess to prevent new academies from opening at all.